Gainesville, Florida, January 8, 2026
The Florida Gators have made significant strides in enhancing their roster through the NCAA transfer portal, securing vital additions for both their offense and defense. Key acquisitions include quarterback Aaron Philo and wide receiver Bailey Stockton, both from Georgia Tech, along with safety Cam Dooley from Kentucky. Additionally, edge rusher Jayden Woods has opted to remain with the team, providing continuity on defense. As the transfer portal remains open, the Gators are proactively shaping their lineup in anticipation of the upcoming season.
Gainesville, Florida – Florida Gators Strengthen Roster with Key Transfer Portal Additions
The Florida Gators have significantly bolstered their roster by securing commitments from several key players through the transfer portal, aiming to enhance both their offense and defense for the upcoming 2026 season.
Offensive Reinforcements
On January 6, 2026, the Gators added quarterback Aaron Philo from Georgia Tech. Philo, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound redshirt sophomore, brings valuable experience after serving as a backup quarterback for the Yellow Jackets. In his limited appearances, he completed 59 of 102 passes for 938 yards, throwing two touchdowns and three interceptions. His addition is expected to provide depth and competition in Florida’s quarterback room.
Additionally, the Gators secured wide receiver Bailey Stockton from Georgia Tech. Stockton, standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 185 pounds, offers two years of eligibility and has recorded 38 receptions for 439 yards and a touchdown. His arrival aims to strengthen Florida’s receiving corps, which has experienced departures in the offseason.
Defensive Enhancements
Florida’s defense received a boost with the commitment of safety Cam Dooley from Kentucky. Dooley, a 6-foot-2, 203-pound defensive back, accumulated 29 tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one interception during the 2025 season. His experience and versatility are expected to contribute significantly to the Gators’ secondary.
In a notable retention, edge rusher Jayden Woods has decided to remain with the Gators for the 2026 season. Woods, a freshman standout, recorded 28 tackles, including five for loss, and 3.5 sacks in his debut season. His decision to stay is seen as a significant win for new head coach Jon Sumrall, who is focused on rebuilding the team’s defense.
Transfer Portal Activity
The NCAA transfer portal opened on January 2, 2026, and will remain active until January 16, 2026. During this period, the Gators have been active in both adding new talent and retaining existing players. The coaching staff, led by Jon Sumrall, is working diligently to reshape the roster to meet the challenges of the upcoming season.
Background Context
The transfer portal has become a pivotal tool for college football programs, allowing teams to address roster needs and enhance competitiveness. Florida’s proactive approach in the portal reflects a strategic effort to strengthen the team under Sumrall’s leadership. The Gators’ recent additions and retention efforts are part of a broader strategy to build a more competitive and resilient team for the 2026 season.
Key Takeaways
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Transfer Portal Window | January 2, 2026 – January 16, 2026 |
| New Additions | Aaron Philo (QB), Bailey Stockton (WR), Cam Dooley (S) |
| Key Retention | Jayden Woods (EDGE) |
| Coaching Leadership | Jon Sumrall |
FAQ
Who is Aaron Philo?
Aaron Philo is a 6-foot-2, 220-pound quarterback who transferred from Georgia Tech to the Florida Gators on January 6, 2026. He brings experience as a backup quarterback for the Yellow Jackets, where he completed 59 of 102 passes for 938 yards, throwing two touchdowns and three interceptions. His addition is expected to provide depth and competition in Florida’s quarterback room.
What impact will Cam Dooley have on Florida’s defense?
Cam Dooley, a 6-foot-2, 203-pound safety from Kentucky, committed to the Florida Gators on January 7, 2026. During the 2025 season, he recorded 29 tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one interception. His experience and versatility are expected to significantly enhance the Gators’ secondary.
Why is Jayden Woods’ decision to stay important for the Gators?
Jayden Woods, a freshman edge rusher, decided to remain with the Florida Gators for the 2026 season. In his debut season, he recorded 28 tackles, including five for loss, and 3.5 sacks. His decision to stay is considered a significant win for new head coach Jon Sumrall, who is focused on rebuilding the team’s defense.
What is the NCAA transfer portal?
The NCAA transfer portal is a system that allows college athletes to declare their intent to transfer to another institution. It provides a transparent process for athletes to explore opportunities at different schools while maintaining their eligibility. The portal opened on January 2, 2026, and will remain active until January 16, 2026.
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